The government has allayed fears within the diving community in relation to two submerged wrecks that are used in adverse weather conditions by pointing out that access to the foreshore in Marsascala will not be restricted once the American University of Malta is built.

Rumblings within diving circles began with the announcement that the AUM will be sited at Zonqor Point, and fears were exacerbated when it was revealed by the government that its compromise solution involved using the existing footprint of the waterpolo pitch in the area.

The wrecks are popular dives in adverse weather conditions because the bay is sheltered and allows divers – especially those who come to Malta specifically for a diving holiday – to dive there when all other sites are off limits due to wind direction and swell.

Questioned about the site, a spokesman from the Tourism Ministry said: “The AUM will leave the foreshore completely untouched even though the area is within development zone according to the local plan of 2006. So, despite the fact that the foreshore could have been used for this investment, Government decided otherwise and, following an extensive site selection and transparent consultation process, the 13,000 square meters within development zone which will be used for this project are in fact away from the foreshore.”

The spokesman continued also said: “The remaining 18,000 square meters for the educational project in Marsascala will be within outside development zone, in the same area where previous administration had planned a bluefin tuna spawning facility and marine hatchery, with the technical report commissioned in March 2011 saying referring to it as ‘abandoned agricultural land, consequently there are no ecosystems to be impacted’. Therefore, this administration has not only reduced by 80% the use of ODZ for this investment, but will also be using the 20% of the original proposal for a more sustainable project which will result in economic and social benefits for the community.”

Entry point

The entry point to the twin-wreck site lies on the foreshore, very close to the waterpolo pitch. Divers can currently kit up near the pitch and make their way down to the water’s edge for entry. At present, divers can drive up to the saltpans, kit up and make their way in. It is not yet known whether this practice can continue once the new university opens, but if a ringroad around the complex is kept, then it should still be viable.

Conservation groups concerns

Conservation groups, including the diving community, have also expressed concern at the possible damage which construction in the area might cause to the seabed. The site is home to coral, posedonia meadows and other underwater creatures and fauna. While construction companies are bound by Mepa to ensure that no harm is done to the seabed through leachate and/or dumping, these groups have said that risks still exist. To this effect, a protest will be held near the site this Sunday.